Contributed by: JanelleJJanelleJ(others by this writer | submit your own)Published on July 25th 2003A bludgeoning scream, a loud mess of guitars, and pounding drums. So begins Run Your Pockets with a short instrumental hardcore offering. But first, a caveat: this is not a disc for the faint-hearted, not only because of the sheer chaotic ska-tinged hardcore punk involved and the freaky fiendish v.

A bludgeoning scream, a loud mess of guitars, and pounding drums. So begins Run Your Pockets with a short instrumental hardcore offering. But first, a caveat: this is not a disc for the faint-hearted, not only because of the sheer chaotic ska-tinged hardcore punk involved and the freaky fiendish vocals of Big Chris that have led to the fitting description of "goblin-core," but also because of the no-nonsense messages No Cash get across. Thus, if you consider yourself conservative, steer clear of this disc. I repeat, steer clear of this disc. But if you're open-minded, have some major qualms with society, and have a hankering for brutal punk, then by all means give Run Your Pockets a listen.

In greater detail, on their debut full-length, Pennsylvania's No Cash advocate the smashing of society, the overthrowing of authority, and basically an upheaval of the status quo to undermine all the oppression so apparent in our country. Revolution and questioning authority are definitely the pervasive themes here, making for quite a bold record, played at warped speed. Musically, No Cash is comparable to bands like the wonderful Against All Authority and Leftover Crack.

Another scream kicks off the next track, the disillusioned (to say the least) "Life Sucks," a really fast punk tune with frantic, once again "goblin-esque" vocals, ending with repeated screams of "I hate my life." When the following track, "Wilkes-Booth Style"- perhaps the best offering on the album ‚?? is played live, I can just envision the mayhem in the pit. A rebellious tune with lines like "live free or die tryin'" and "together ants can overcome and kill the ox/The only key is knowing how to break the locks," among others like the chorus calling to "raise a fist‚?¶break the long arm‚?¶sound the drums" and to "seize the time." These guys beg you to look for the truth in life, not follow our leaders blindly, and to not conform to all the prevalent, accepted norms in society. No Cash has successfully taken all of our rebellious thoughts and have created a great album full of obnoxious music and thought-provoking, incendiary lyrics.

No Cash, in true punk fashion, are anti-authority, attacking all the oppressive establishments. Government leaders and police are the targets of the aforementioned "Wilkes-Booth Style" while the educational system is berated in the very "Schools Are Prison"-like "Knowledge Is Power" ‚?? well, it's more No Cash railing against police monitored hallways, locker searches, and the conformity that underlies every aspect of school life. The ferocious "Pierce the Gates" features very self-explanatory gang vocal choruses. It's a song that exposes the corruption and suppression of ideas advocated by the Church. They even take a stab at domesticity and the household on "Homelife Is a Drag," another standout track. Meanwhile, "The Lucky Few" pretty much sums up the band's feelings: "They say that we're all free/It never felt that way to me." On this track, the boys tackle racism. On a sidenote, there's definitely a Smashing Pumpkins "Today" lick evident on there. Ha. In any case, another highlight is "Pure Evil," which is just a bludgeoning piece that's hard as hell. And in a complete one-eighty, the finale, "Run Your Pockets," finishes off with a piano coda. But even this nice little touch can't temper the ferocity evident throughout this record.

So, overall, Run Your Pockets is just a feral release from this riotous bunch of punks.

I'm sick of reading all of this garbage. "They ripped off Choking Vicitim, the ripped off Leftover Crack" Cry about it. If you actually listen to the music it sounds a lot more like the Broadways. The music score is not nearly as thrashy as Leftovercrack or CV. Personally I like it a lot. I think it sends a great message if you dive deep into the lyrics and listen for the metaphors. So what it's political, so what his voice kind of sounds like Stza's. It's good music.

Anonymous (April 2, 2006)

No-Cash kicks ass.
I've heard much more goblin-like singers - his voice is not only tolerable but good.
Pure Evil is by far the best song on the CD.

Anonymous (March 23, 2006)

I would say Run Your Pockets from No Ca$h is the single best album in the world and i listen to a wide range of music from indie to... gangsta rap.

Anonymous (March 6, 2006)

anyone who bags such tracks as home life is a drag as just garbage obviously doesnt feel wat many young cunts do... im from australia an this shit is universal, an sadness does lurk within these walls, so this band aint a waste of time coz it pumps through my walls an helps me an others wen the shit gets to thick to stand...

thankyou

Anonymous (February 28, 2006)

no cash is one of my favorite bands, just because i love a good hardcore punk ska combo secondly the lyrics speak the truth

Anonymous (January 25, 2006)

NO$ is the best its a band that makes me wanna punch the guy to my left

Anonymous (September 12, 2005)

these dude fuckin rock . how cums all the gud band slipt up eg these and chokign victim?

Anonymous (August 1, 2005)

Its been a while since they broke up i know. But what the fuck for. They were good. Im from Easton, and Nazo, and i was looking forward to them being the next big thing. Fuck school, and fuck being a rapper in new york. Come back dammit!!!!

Anonymous (May 17, 2005)

no Ca$h is so good i got a boner!

Anonymous (March 6, 2005)

No cash fukcin ruless!!

fuck yeah

Anonymous (March 6, 2005)

If you do not buy this i will come to your house and kill you

then take your wallet
and maybe some preztles

Anonymous (March 6, 2005)

No-Cash= best fuckin band ever

thats all i can say

Anonymous (March 3, 2005)

No Ca$h rips by ribs out and chews on 'em.

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

This band is mediocre at best...weak lyrics; uninspired, unoriginal music; lame faux-squatter posturing. Unfortunately ska-punk is such a stagnant genre this is pretty much par for the course these days. Few self-respecting musicians are lining up to beat the dead horse so bands like No-Cash happen to rise to the surface of the cesspool. Don't buy this.

Anonymous (December 3, 2004)

no cash is a great example of punk ska, and a great mix of other music as well i give this cd a 4.5 cause i wish it was longer

No-Ca$h is an amazing band. This album is one of the best ones I've heard in a long time. Skate Or Die, Homelife Is A Drag, and Run Your Pockets are my favorite song's from this album.

Anonymous (September 4, 2004)

not a rip off of left over crack. donnie darko rules. no cash=cooler than satan. Everybody talks shit about them on this board. the review rules. no cash is my life

Anonymous (October 27, 2003)

anybody who likes this band should check out their friends, The No Service Project. (www.noserviceproject.com)
They fuckin rock.
and if you don't like it, you can fuck off.

Anonymous (August 26, 2003)

No Cash is the fucking shit. Anyone who calls them a Leftover Crack ripoff is and idiot; they have their similarities but no cash is still very unique and very talented. This cd kicks ass and so does the review

Anonymous (August 9, 2003)

this is the best cd i have in my collection right now. and i listen to all kinds of music. i think the review is pretty accurate. i just hope everyone listening to this cd realizes that it is technical as hell. xoxoxo

" ?Knowledge Is Power? ? well, it?s more No Cash railing against police monitored hallways, locker searches,..." That made me laugh really hard, I didn't know there were bands against hall monitors.

Anonymous (July 27, 2003)

this band sucks

Anonymous (July 27, 2003)

I saw them once. They played a song called "Kill your parents". One of their fathers drove them to the show. they suck, end of story.

Anonymous (July 27, 2003)

Worst. Band. Ever.

-MarkBastard

Anonymous (July 26, 2003)

Straight outta Locash, crazy motherfucker named Gusto

Anonymous (July 25, 2003)

....if i do this one more time today.....stick -Greenvandal under that last post and change my star rating to this. thanks.

-Greenvandal

Anonymous (July 25, 2003)

Ummm, i didnt say anything was wrong with political standpoints. I said you need to talk about the music more. You know...those guitars and drums and things? The lyrics and message are only half the battle.

Anonymous (July 25, 2003)

Politics are important! Messages are important! I guess every record can't be my girlfriend broke up with me whiney shite, now can it?
I guess I was impressed cos it's incendiary and riotous in it's messages and anti-everything...And, well, that's what really got me. Fucking insanity is what it is, though! Brilliant I say. But hey, that's just me. True, some say I should be locked up, but that's another story...
-J

Anonymous (July 25, 2003)

no cash is just a complete rip off of leftovercrack/choking victim. its not a bad thing or anything because loc kicks ass but please don't go around calling no cash so amazing when the music they play is played alot better by other bands.

Anonymous (July 25, 2003)

All you did was talk about their politics. And that the singer sounded like a goblin. I dont even know what a goblin sounds like...maybe i should watch more lord of the rings....anyways, talk more about the band next time and less about there political stand points.

Anonymous (July 25, 2003)

Last summer I picked up No Ca$hs split with Team spider...it was such a...interesting...split. I think, though, I'd rather see them live than listen to them on an album just sitting around.

Anonymous (July 25, 2003)

Hmmm...well, all I can say to that is get your groove on with this interview with front man Chris: http://www.rebelnoise.com/viewinterview.php?id=29
-J